Media Statements

Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steve Dickson

Friday, April 05, 2013

Queenslanders throw support behind Bundaberg flood relief races

Racing Minister Steve Dickson is reminding Queenslanders to get behind the flood relief effort in Bundaberg this weekend, as the Newman Government’s special country race meeting kicks off.

Mr Dickson said Saturday’s six race dual-code Queensland Sustain Country series meeting at Bundaberg Race Club would include the feature $20,000 Bundaberg Ginger Beer Flood Relief Sustain Series Cup.

“The Newman Government is doing everything possible to get the devastated Bundaberg region back to business and this race day is another way for Queenslanders to show their support,” Mr Dickson said.

“As part of the race day, Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) and Tattsbet will donate all wagering revenue from the feature race to the Bundaberg flood recovery.

“Queenslanders can show their support by attending the race meeting or alternatively by having a bet on the main $20,000 feature race of the thoroughbred meeting, which will be broadcast on Sky Racing 1.”

Mr Dickson said the combined meeting of thoroughbred and greyhound racing was also being supported with a special City to Bush event organised by the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC), which would attend with its corporate partners and hold several fundraising initiatives.

“All proceeds from the day will help Bundaberg, especially North Bundaberg, recover from the devastating floods that battered the city a couple of months ago,” Mr Dickson said.

“After recently touring Bundaberg’s damaged sporting and recreation facilities I know it’s going to be a tough road to complete recovery, but I’ve already seen the determination and resilience of locals on display, with clean-up efforts now well underway.

“A dual-code Bundaberg race meeting combined with the City to the Bush initiative will make for a great day’s racing, and I encourage everyone to come along and support the Bundaberg clubs and community.”

Mr Dickson said the Bundaberg Race Club and the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club would also donate proceeds from the combined race meeting to the local flood recovery cause.